British Airways suspends flights to and from mainland China amid coronavirus outbreak as killer infection spreads

Brits warned off travelling to China  Death toll at 132 as more than 5,000 are infected Follow our live updates here
Jacob Jarvis29 January 2020

British Airways has suspended flights to and from mainland China amid the coronavirus outbreak.

There have been 132 fatalities linked to the virus in China while more than 5,000 have been infected.

There have been more than 70 tests conducted for the virus in Britain, though all have come back negative.

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In a statement, British Airways said: "We have suspended all flights to and from mainland China with immediate effect following advice from the Foreign Office against all but essential travel."

The airline's website shows no direct flights to the country are available in January and February.

"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority," BA said in an emailed statement.

"Customers due to travel to or from China in the coming days can find more information on BA.com."

Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital wear protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus
AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic said its flights between Heathrow and Shanghai will continue to operate as scheduled, although passengers are able to rebook or obtain a refund free of charge.

Transport in China has been limited as fears of the virus' spread grip the nation.

Some 56 million people are reportedly on lock down in a bid to stop the spread.

Evacuations from China have begun with US and Japanese nationals leaving the country, while Britons are expected to follow suit.

Taking precautions: A health official checks a woman’s temperature on the underground in Beijing
Getty Images

China has imposed travel restrictions between its major cities while all tour group companies' activities have been suspended to prevent further virus spread.

The British embassy in Beijing said transport to get UK citizens out "may happen quickly and with short notice" - though it has been reported flights are due to begin on Thursday.

The Foreign Office said UK nationals in China should "make decisions based on their own personal circumstances" over whether to leave.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "Due to the increasing travel restrictions and the public health situation, we now advise against all but essential travel to China.

"We are also working urgently to finalise arrangements for an assisted departure from Hubei Province for British nationals this week, and are in contact with people in Hubei to ensure they register their interest and that we can keep them updated.

"The UK continues to be guided by the latest medical advice about the coronavirus outbreak. The safety and security of British people will always be our top priority."

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